What Are the Effects of a Protective Order?

Posted on Aug 17, 2017 2:21pm PDT

In Denton County and throughout Texas, the victims of stalking, sexual
assault and
family violence (sometimes called domestic violence) can ask the court for a protective
order, which prohibits the offender from committing further acts of stalking,
sexual assault, or family violence. For the purpose of this blog, we’re
going to focus on family violence protective orders, and their effects
on the alleged abuser.

In Texas, family or domestic violence occurs when a family or household
member either threatens physical injury to another family or household
member, or they cause physical injury to another relative or member of
the same household. Family violence includes
child abuse and spousal abuse. Family members include:

Spouses

Parents and children

Stepparents and stepchildren

Foster parents and foster children

Family members by blood or marriage

Adoptive parents and adopted children

What Can a Protective Order do to Me?

Suppose you’re being accused of family violence and now your loved
one has obtained a protective order from the court. If you are subject
to an active family violence protective order, your activities and movements
can be greatly restricted. A protective order can bar the offender from:

Contacting those protected in the order

Going near the victims’ work or school

Possessing a firearm (under state and federal law)

In addition to the above, a protective order can require that an offender
vacate the family residence, receive mandatory counseling, pay spousal
and child support, and pay certain bills.

When a protective order is issued by the court, local law enforcement agencies
are notified. If the abuser violates the protective order and the police
find out, they will take actions to arrest the violator. From there, the
violator will be arrested and formal charges will be filed against him
or her. Please note that a violation can be punishable by up to a
$4,000 fine, or by
up to one year in jail, or by jail and confinement.

Quick Links

Follow Us

Disclaimer

The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.